Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

Zoo hopes to debunk myths about owls.

Loading player...
In South Africa Owls generally have a very negative reputation due to mainly cultural and traditional beliefs (i.e. they are believed to bring bad luck and death and are also believed to be associated with witchcraft). Because of this negative reputation and associated beliefs owls are often persecuted and killed. Many people are unaware of the benefits of owls in that they eat predominantly rodents and so can assist in the control of rodents which carry diseases. Placing a nest box for owls on a property can help control rodent populations (one family of hungry barn owls can consume more than 3,000 rodents in a nesting season) while maintaining the naturally balanced food chain.
27 Oct 2022 10AM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Medium-Term Budget: What it means for workers and households

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced temporary fuel levy relief, increased funding for municipalities and social services, and additional resources to fight crime in the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. However, South Africa’s growth forecast has been cut to 1.2% for 2026, despite progress in stabilising government debt. Phemelo speaks…
21 Oct 2PM 17 min

Rand Water warns of looming water crisis as demand hits record levels

Rand Water is warning of possible water supply disruptions as municipalities, including Johannesburg and Tshwane, continue to exceed their allocations. The bulk supplier says it is pumping at maximum capacity, but rising consumption is putting increasing pressure on the system, making it harder to balance supply across the network. Phemelo…
21 Oct 2PM 17 min

Maile vows tighter teacher checks after Soweto sexual assault allegations

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile says the department will strengthen background checks on teachers following allegations that a teacher sexually assaulted a Grade 4 pupil at Busisiwe Primary School in Soweto. The accused teacher has been placed on precautionary suspension while disciplinary proceedings continue. Maile is calling for stronger safeguards,…
21 Oct 2PM 17 min

Mbeki denies secret deal to shield apartheid-era generals

Former president Thabo Mbeki has dismissed as a “complete fabrication” allegations that he held secret meetings with former apartheid-era military and police generals to prevent their prosecution for crimes committed under apartheid. Testifying before the TRC Cases Inquiry, Mbeki denied that such meetings took place as the inquiry investigates alleged…
20 Oct 3PM 23 min

Sibiya denied bail over witness intimidation and evidence concerns

Former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya will remain in custody after a Randburg magistrate denied him bail, citing concerns about possible witness intimidation and the destruction of evidence. The court found that he had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying his release. Sibiya denies the charges against him and…
20 Oct 3PM 6 min
All episodes